Apparatus and method for packaging shuttle bobbins



May 28, 1968 Filed Aug. 31, 1965 T. E. WESTALL ETAL 3,385,023

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING SHUTTLE BOBBINS l2 Sheets-Sheet 1 .AHHHHIH 'IM INVENTOR.

Forms [0150 Wasps BY. MREWMIc/MEL 5450 A W W HTTOFWEYS May 28, 1968 "r. E. WESTALL ET AL 3,385,023

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING SHUTTLE BOBBINS Filed Aug. 31, 1965 12 Sheets-Sheet 2 w im MT A INVENTOR. moms fuse/v Mssmu. A/vM'Ew MICHAEL 6450 3 0 7 ADI". Z38. :0 E5 1 13 to vi 0 5 w u wbu QULQK cg lEmh uozuk owwutmtuu an u q u n n 1 8 8 00 0% @N mmm M 0:

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APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING SHUTTLE BOBBINS Ame/vars l2 Sheets-Sheet 3 Eon/vs 'o/aov Nam-Au. BY flmpnaw MICHAEL S060 May 28, 1968 T. E. WESTALL ET AL 3,385,023

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING SHUTTLE BOBBINS 5 a m m M m E H w mo A R .0 1 W W m/ a: 0 9 g m Q0- m: \w: o: 09 v R w 2. E a 5 5 ml :w m h 0 ww AWWJ @MQ CF U m ow. .ov 0 m No 3 5 O 1 I09 E. mm 3 o N: on ow MN; m\ m R 5 Q. 8 J T w H 8 m 90 W n3 2 A \wllu m o;

May 28', 1968 T. E. WESTALL ET AL 3,385,023

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING SHUTTLE BOBBINS 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 31, 1965 INVENTOR. 770M063 01m fi asmu BY flNZREW M/canEL Sne 0 y 1968 "r. E. WESTALL ET AL 3,385,023

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING SHUTTLE B'OBBINS l2 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. I70 Fla/us &sov Aka-Au BY Awnsw Mlcmqn. 6430 y 1968 T. E. WESTALL. ET AL 3,385,023

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING SHUTTLE BOBBINS Filed Aug. 31, 1965 12 Sheets-Sheet 7 Tici.&.

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93 INVENTOR.

72 07146" 01501 k/esmu BY fizz/anew Mic/mu. 6550 M 7 W May 28, 1968 Filed Aug. 31. 1965 T. E. WESTALL ET AL APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING SHUTTLE BOBB INS 12 Sheets-Sheet 8 VENTOR Foms 08m Vssm May 28, 968 T. E. WESTALL ET AL 3,

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING SHUTTLE BOBBINS Filed Aug. 31, 1965 12 Sheets-Sheet 9 INVENTOR. Tfioms 'bnsolvlowmz.

BY AN REW Mlcflnez 3400 Arrow/E75 y 28, 1968 v T. E. WESTALL ET AL 3,385,023

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING SHUTTLE BOBBINS Filed Aug. 31, 1965 12 Sheets-Sheet 1O INVEaAZSOR. Tfiomas folsav re BY AA/IDREW M/cu EL 59/30 WY-W ATTGQNEYS May 28, 1968 T. E. WESTALL ET AL 3,

APPARATUS. AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING SHUTTLE BOBBINS Filed Aug. 31, 1965 12 Sheets-Sheet l2 1| o sc fi lmw u 0 2.: 8 0m m a m 5 E A 2 T Z Y W H E n 2* I u d WW n2 Q JJ 1 i u mmh A A, ||||L 4 w mm u J. 1 P W? |L N2 w Q r Fllllilln- 1 r m2 n. u A IlwwHMMMMMWNMMI lfl li ixi l ii llifiln TLl kcfi "1 5 I n i W? 3 3 HE J I.

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A A: J r P J A NH H o a. D 09 o D mw v8.02 woit fi United States Patent 3,385,023 APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING SHUTTLE BOBBINS Thomas E. Westall, Marion, N.C., and Andrew M. Sabo, South Windham, Conn., assignors to Th American Thread Company, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New Jersey Filed Aug. 31, 1965, Ser. No. 484,070 24 Claims. (Cl. 53-26) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The machine shakes the bobbins from the hopper into the chutes and segregates a predetermined number of aligned rows of bobbins onto the removable floor. The bobbins are then clamped while the floor is removed and thereafter released to drop under gravity into boxes automatically fed to a position below the floor.

This invention relates to an apparatus for packaging bobbins. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus for packaging shuttle bobbins and the method of accomplishing the same.

It has been known in the bobbin packaging art that a plurality of bobbins may be fed in an aligned single row from an apparatus to an operator who manually passes a rod through the row of aligned bobbins and transfers them into a container for packaging. This process, however, is limited to the packaging of a number of rows of bobbins one at a time. It is further limited by the skill and speed of the operator.

This invention provides an apparatus which packages a plurality of rows of bobbins completely automatically. The apparatus has a feed device which is basically a hopper and which receives a number of bobbins from any suitable delivery means, such as, a bucket on an overhead conveyor assembly. The bobbins are dumped into the hopper in any fashion. The feed device arranges the bobbins into a plurality of rows and delivers them to suitable chutes in a guide mechanism in the apparatus. The guide mechanism allows the bobbins to fall down the chutes under gravity to a selector mechanism which comprises a pair of adjustably spaced stops. Each stop comprises a plurality of downwardly extending pins which are adapted to be reciprocated into and out of the chutes of the guide means in synchronized fashion. For example, when the pins of the first stop are out of the chutes, the pins of the second stop are in the chutes, thereby stopping the progress of the bobbins. While the pins of the second stop are in the chutes, the pins of the first stop are brought into the chutes so as to segregate a desired number of transverse rows of bobbins from the remainder of the bobbins in the chutes. Because the stops are adjustable, any number of rows of bobbins can be segregated within the limits of the stops. After the desired number of rows are segregated the pins of the second stop are raised out of the chutes while the pins of the first stop remain in the chute so that the segregated rows of bobbins pass out of the selector mechanism to la depositing device. Initially, the segregated rows of bobbins are maintained in the depositing device by extensions of the chutes of the guide mechanism and a removable floor means; however, shortly after being received the chute extensions are raised and a suitable plunger means forces the rows of bobbins transversely against an opposite wall in clamped condition. While held in this condition, the floor means is removed and a suitable box is delivered by an elevator means to a position immediately under the bobbins. The plunger is then released and the bobbins drop into the box. The filled box is dropped to a lower position by the elevator means and delivered to a take-off conveyor which removes the filled box to a position where it is later covered for shipment. The operation of the machine is continuous so that filled boxes are fed out in seriatim.

The boxes to be filled are delivered to the designated positions by a box feed mechanism which is synchronized to operate with the remainder of the device. The box feed mechanism has a vertical supply hopper in which a supply of boxes is contained. These boxes are fed onto a conveyor assembly which directs the boxes towards the elevator means of the depositing mechanism. A suitable box feed control is interposed in the path of the conveyed boxes to insure that the boxes are fed individually in synchronized manner to the elevator means. As the boxes are fed off the conveyor assembly, a positive box delivery assembly feeds the box onto the elevator means and the operation continues as above set forth.

The apparatus is completely automated; however, various automatic operations may be out OK and a manual operation substituted therefor. Further, suitable sensing devices can be incorporated in the apparatus to insure continuous and full operation. For example, a sensing means is positioned over the chutes of the guide mechanism and is operated to provide a warning signal if one of the chutes is not completely filled with respect to the other chutes. Also, a similar sensing device is positioned in the box fee-d mechanism to provide a warning signal if a box is not in position to be fed to the depositing mechanism. The warning signals are such that the apparatus will be shut off until the situation actuating the signal is corrected.

The invention provides an apparatus which speeds up the output of packaged bobbins over heretofore known devices. As an example, boxes may be packaged which contain six rows of twelve bobbins each, that is, seventytwo bobbins per package at a rate of 20 boxes per minute (1,440 bobbins per minute). Such a rate exceeds any rate achieved heretofore, and in some cases tripling the previous rate.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus for packaging bobbins which is completely automatic.

It is another object of this invention to provide an apparatus for packaging a plurality of rows of aligned bobbins simultaneously.

It is another object of this invention to provide an apparatus for packing bobbins which can be operated continuously.

It is another object of this invention to provide an apparatus for packaging bobbins which can be automatically interrupted during operation.

It is another object of this invention to provide a method of packaging bobbins automatically.

It is another object of this invention to provide a method of packaging bobbins automatically and continuously.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the feed, guide and selector mechanisms of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an extension of FIG. 3 and illustrates the depositing device and box feed mechanism of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged view of the depositing device;

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the operation of the depositing device and box feed mechanism;

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the operation of guide mechanism and depositing device;

FIG. 10 illustrates the operation of the elevator means to deliver a box to receive the bobbins;

FIG. 11 illustrates the operation of the elevator means after a box is filled;

FIG. 12 illustrates a view taken at line 12-12 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 illustrates a View taken at line 1313 in FIG.

FIG. 14 illustrates the box feed control in the box feed mechanism;

FIG. 15 illustrates a vertical supply hopper for the box feed mechanism;

FIG. 16 illustrates a view taken at line 16-16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic wiring diagram of the apparatus; and

FIG. 18 illustrates a graphic representation of the operation of the mechanisms and devices of the apparatus with respect to each other.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a shuttle bobbin packaging machine 1 according to this invention comprises a feed mechanism 2 which is adapted to receive a plurality of shuttle bobbins 3 and deliver them in aligned rows to a guide mechanism 4. The guide mechanism 4 guides the shuttle bobbins 3 to a selector mechanism 5 whereby a particular number of rows of bobbins are set off from the remainder of the bobbins. The set off rows of bobbins are then delivered to a depositing mechanism 6 wherein they are delivered into suitable boxes 7. The boxes 7 are delivered to the depositing mechanism 6 from a box feed mechanism 8. After being filled, the boxes pass onto a take-off conveyor assembly 9 which removes them from the apparatus. The machine 1 is suitably supported by a table frame 10 having a table top 11 inclined at a slight downward angle, for example 3. The frame 10 also houses a panel box for the circuitry of the machine.

Referring to FIG. 3, the feed mechanism 2 comprises a frame supported by legs 12 on the table top 11 which carries a suitable hopper 13 at the top thereof. The hopper 13 defines a cylindrical inlet means 14 through which a batch of disarrayed shuttle bobbins 3 are dropped. The bobbins 3 are directed onto an inclined fixed plate 15 situated beneath the inlet means 13. The plate 15 and inlet means are spaced apart in a manner which forms a restriction to the flow of bobbins down the plate 15. The plate 15 is provided with an adjustable lip 16 which is pivotally mounted on the plate 15 by means of a suitable pin 17 and linkage means 18. The linkage means 18 consists of a rotatably adjustable cam 19 which is suitably mounted from the hopper 13 and actuated by an adjustment spring 20. The cam 19 is connected by links 21 to a pair of arms 22 on the adjustable lip 16. The arms 22 are at each end of the adjustable lip to permit passage of the bobbins.

The guide mechanism 4 is positioned under the feed mechanism 2 and comprises a pivotal guide frame 23 pivotally mounted by a suitable pivot means 24 on a fixed guide frame 25. The guide frame 23 comprises a generally horizontal section 26, having a plurality of chute means therein, for example, twelve chutes, and an inclined section 27 having a like number of chutes 28 therein. While the section 26 is described as horizontal, it is noted that it may be slightly inclined to assist the flow of bobbins down the chutes. Also, the inclined section 27 is inclined from a horizontal plane at any suitable angle, for example 22. Further, the respective chutes are of the same height as the walls of the sections 26, 27.

The adjustable lip 16 is adjustably spaced from the surface of the horizontal section 26 by a predetermined distance in order to prevent an excessive number of bobbins that have not been positioned in the chutes from passing therethrough. After passing the adjustable lip 16, the aligned bobbins are dropped into the chutes 28 in the inclined section 27 and directed downwardly under gravity.

In order to provide for the proper positioning of the disarrayed bobbins into the respective chutes as well as proper movement therein, the guide frame 23 is connected to a suitable vibrating means, such as an eccentric 29. The eccentric 29 is suitably mounted by legs 30 on the table top 11 and comprises a suitable rotatable cam shaft 31 which actuates a link 32 which is connected by a suitable bracket 33 to the bottom of the inclined section 27 of the guide frame 23. Operation of the eccentric 29 causes the guide frame to pivot about the pivot connection 24 and provide the necessary vibration to the guide frame 23.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, as the aligned bobbins move down the chutes 28, they are arranged in backto-back manner, that is, in a closely spaced manner. In order to provide a means of determining the fullness of the chutes 28 with bobbins 3, a scanner means 34 is positioned in reciprocating manner over the fixed guide frame 25. The scanner means 34 comprises a suitable light source rod 35, a light receiver rod 36 and an air cylinder 37 mounted in a bracket 38 and connected at their respective ends by a strut 39. The air cylinder 37 is further supported by a suitable support leg (not shown) between the bracket and strut for rigidity. The rods 35, 36 are provided with a suitable photoelectric cell, that is, the light source rod 35 is provided with a suitable light source 40 at the end opposite the strut 39 and the light receiver rod 36 is provided with a complementary light receiver 41 at its respective end.

:Upon actuation of the air cylinder 37, the strut 39 which is connected to the piston of the air cylinder is directed in a horizontal direction and carries the rods 35, 36 along with it. The air cylinder 37 is adapted for reciprocating motion so that the light source 40 and receiver 41 are reciprocated horizontally over the chutes 28. The chutes 28 of the guide frame 24 are provided with suitable light reflector means (not shown) which reflect the light of the light source 40 to the light receiver 41 when there are no bobbins positioned on the light reflector means. When there are bobbins over the light reflector means, operation of the machine continues; however, when there is a space between bobbins so that the light reflector 41 is exposed to the light of the light source 40, a signal is actuated which will cut off the operation of the machine 1. The scanner means 34 is operated by means of any suitable device which can synchronize the operation of the scanner means with the remainder of the machine, such as, a micro-switch circuit. The light source and receiver are also provided with suitable means, such as flexible electrical couplings through the table top 11 to the circuit.

After passing the scanner means 34, the bobbins 3 pass under the selector mechanism 5 where a plurality of rows are set off, by way of example, six rows of twelve bobbins are set off.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, the selector mechanism 5 comprises a pair of spaced stops 42, 42'. The forwardmost stop 42 is identical in construction with the rearmost stop 42', except that it is adjustably mounted for longitudinal movement in the guide frame 25. Each stop is constructed with a bracket 43 which supports a plurality of pins 44 therein, one for each chute 28. The pins 44 are fixed in the bracket 43 so as to project into each chute 28 and provide a stop means for the bobbins 3. The bracket 43 is slidably supported on a pair of stationary shafts 45 by suitable sleeves 46 which are each slidably mounted by a pair of bushings on a respective shaft 45. A cross bar 47 extends across the guide frame 25 and supports the shafts 4-5 therein by means of a threaded extension of each shaft which passes through the cross bar 47 and a threaded nut 48. The cross bar 47 of the forwardmost stop 42 is secured at each end by a pair of suitable threaded bolts 49 in an elongated slot in the guide frame 25. The cross bar 47 of the other stop 42' is secured in similar fashion but in fixed relation to the guide frame 25.

In order to reciprocate each stop 42, 42, each bracket 43 is provided with a fixed sleeve (not shown) intermediate the sleeves 46 which is connected to a reciprocal piston of an air cylinder 50. The air cylinder 50 is mounted on the cross bar 47 and its piston passes therethrough. Thus, by proper actuation of the respective air cylinder, the brackets 43 and pins 44 are moved up or down, out of or into the plane of the chutes 28. As above, the operation of the air cylinders can be synchronized to the remainder of the machine 1.

As the bobbins 3 roll down the chutes of the guide frame 25 they will abut the pins 44 of the forwardmost stop 42. The stop 42 is then raised and the bobbins proceed to the rearmost stop 42' which is in its down position. When the bobbins 3 have filled the chutes 2 8 bet-ween the stops 42, 42', the pins of the forw-ardmost stop 42 are lowered into the chutes to set off the bobbins 3 therebetween. By properly adjusting the spacing of the stops from each other, a desired number of rows of bobbins can be set olf during this operation. In this illustrated case, six rows of twelve bobbins are set off. After the bobbins are set off, the rearmost stop 42' is raised and the set off bobbins proceed down the guide frame into the depositing mechanism 6. In order to assist the movement of the set off bobbins from the guide frame, a stream of pressurized air is directed from suitable valves (not shown) on the rear of the bobbins to blow them towards the depositing mechanism 6.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the depositing mechanism 6 comprises a movable platform 51 upon which the six rows of set off bobbins are deposited, an abutment means 52 against which the forwar'dmost bobbin abuts, a divider means 53 which is in alignment with the chutes 28, a clamping means 54, and an elevator means 55 which delivers a box under the platform 51.

The divider means 53 has a series of equi-spaeed divider walls 56 (see FIG. 8) therein to maintain the alignment of the bobbins on the platform 51 when they are delivered thereto. The divider walls 5 6 are held together by a plurality of bolt means, in this illustration three are used. The rearmost bolt means 57 passes through each end of the divider Walls 56 and suitable spacers 58 between the walls to provide a suitable rigid structure. The foremost bolt means 59 passes through the opposite ends of the divider walls 56 and suitable spacers (not shown) therebetween as well as through a pair of pivot arms 60', one at each side of the divider means 53. The intermediate bolt means 61 also passes through the divider Walls 56, suitable spacers (not shown) therebetween, and the pivot arms 60. The intermediate and foremost bolt means also pass through and mount an upstanding flange plate 62 on the centermost divider wall 56. The flange plate 62 is slotted to pass over the centerm-ost divider wall for a suitable manner of mounting it thereon.

The pivot arms 60 are each pivotally supported on suitable means 63, such as pins or threaded bolts of smaller diameter than the bolt holes in the arms, from the guide frame 25. The upstanding flange plate 62 is connected by a suitable yoke 64 to the piston 65 of an air cylinder 66 mounted on a cross bar 67 of the guide frame 25. Thus, by movement of the piston 65 in an up and down direction, the pivot arms 60 pivoting therewith, the divider walls 56 will be raised or lowered, respectively, in unison out of or into the plane of the bobbins. The actuation of the air cylinder 66 is synchronized with the remainder of the machine 1 by a suitable means similar to the actuating means for air cylinders 50.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 9, after the divider walls 56 are lifted out of the plane of the bobbins, the clamping means 54 is actuated. The clamping means 54 comprises a pressure plate 68 mounted on the ends of a pair of horizontally reciprocal shafts 69 in any suitable manner, such as by hanging the shafts and passing a threaded bolt therethrough into threaded engagement with the pressure plate 68. Each shaft 69 is slidably mounted in suitable bushings in a plate 70 and a bearing block '71, the plate 70 being fixed to and extending between each bearing block 71 by any suitable means, such as soldering, welding, etc. Each bearing block 71 is mounted to the table top 11 by a suitable means, such as a pair of threaded bolts 72.

The clamping means 53 is actuated by an air cylinder 73 which is mounted on the plate 70 intermediately of the shafts 69 with the aid of a clamping nut 74. The air cylinder 73 has a piston 73 (FIG. 12) which is fixed to the pressure plate 68 intermediately of the shafts 69 so that upon reciprocation of the piston the pressure plate 68 and shafts 69 will be pushed toward the bobbins on the movable platform 51 or pulled away from the bobbins. Whcn pushed toward the bobbins On the platform 51, the pressure plate 68 will compress the bobbins against each other and against an opposite wall 75. The wall 75 is formed by a suitable bracket 76 which is mounted at one end by bolts 77 to the frame 78 which carries the abutment 52 and in similar manner on a suitable leg 79 at the other end. The pressure exerted by the pressure plate 68 is sufficient to hold the bobbins against the wall without damaging them, and to maintain them without any other support. For example, the pressure may be forty-four pounds over six rows of bobbins.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, 8 and 12, the movable platform 51 comprises a flat surface upon which the bobbins rest and an upturned flange 80 at the far edge transverse to the rows of bobbins which underlaps the abutment 52. The platform 51 is supported at its end in cantilever fashion on a pair of legs 81 which are fixed thereto, as by welding, and which pass through suitable elongated slots 82 in the table top 11. Each leg 81 is secured to an L- shaped cross piece 83 which is slidably mounted by suitable slceve bushings 84 secured thereto on a pair of shafts 85, one at each side. Each shaft 85 is mounted from the table top 11 by suitable support plates 86. The shafts 85 have threaded ends which pass through the plates 86 and which receive locking nuts 87 thereon. The plates 35 are fixed to the underside of the table top 11 as by threaded bolts.

The movable plate 51 is actuated by means of an air cylinder 88 which is secured to the rightmost plate 86 as viewed in FIG. 8, and which has a piston 89 which is fixed to the depending leg of the L-shaped cross piece 83. When the air cylinder 38 is actuated, the plate 51 will be moved outwardly or inwardly of the depositing means 6. The operation of the air cylinder is synchronized with the remainder of the machine by similar means as the other air cylinders so that when the pressure plate 68 of the clamping means 54 has pressed the bobbins against the Wall 75 of the bracket, the movable plate 51 will be removed from under the bobbins. A suitable box is then brought into position under the bobbins by the elevator means 55.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 8, 10 and 12, the elevator means 55 is mounted on the underside of the table top 11 by corner posts 90 which are secured to the table top 11 by any suitable means, such as bolts, and which carry a plate 91 on the lowermost ends by means of bolts 92. The plate 91 has an air cylinder 93 secured thereto and depending therefrom. Also, the plate 91 supports a collared cylindrical housing 94 thereon by means of three equi-spaced spacer rods 95 which are bolted to the plate 91 by bolts 96 and to the housing 94 by bolts 97. The housing 94 is provided with suitable bushings therein so as to slidably receive the elevator shaft 98 therein.

The elevator shaft 93 is secured to the piston 99 of the air cylinder 93 and reciprocated in the housing 94. The upper end of the elevator shaft 98 is fixed to a cross piece 100 which carries two pairs of finger elements 1%) 102 thereon. The finger elements 101 are each of an elonated shape having an upstanding chamfered flange 103 at one end and are each fixed to the cross piece 100. The finger elements 102 are formed on a second cross piece 104 which is adjustably mounted in spaced relation to the cross piece 100 by means of a rod 105 which is threaded into cross piece 100 at one end and threaded through cross piece 104 at the other end. A suitable nut 106 is threaded on the free end of the rod 105 to provide a stop for the cross piece 104.

The cross piece 104 is sized so that the finger elements 102 are inside of the finger elements 101. Like the finger elements 101, the finger elements 102 are each formed with an upstanding chamfered flange. The cross piece 100 is also provided with a stem shaft 107 which depends therefrom and which is guided in an arcuate slot in the collar of the housing 94.

The respective finger elements 101, 102 are positioned in the projected planes of a series of openings 108 in the table top 11 (see FIG. 12).

The elevator means 55 is actuated by the reciprocating movement of the piston 99 of the air cylinder 93 in synchronized manner with the remainder of the machine 1. The air cylinder 93 is actuated in a manner similar to the above air cylinders. Initially, the elevator is in its lowermost position; however, after a suitable box is placed over the openings 108 in the table top 11, the elevator rises causing the finger elements to support and elevate the box into a position immediately below the bobbins which are being held against the wall 75 solely by the pressure plate 68. When the box is in position, the plate 68 is released and the bobbins drop into the box. The elevator then descends allowing the bobbin-filled box to return to the table top 11 from where it is directed to the take-off conveyor assembly 9.

Referring to FIG. 4, the box feed mechanism 8 is mounted on the table top 11 by suitable mounting plates 109 and includes a box supply hopper 110, a conveyor belt assembly 111, a box feed control 112 and a box delivery assembly 113.

Referring to FIGS. and 16, the box hopper 110 is mounted on the assembly 111 from a cantilevered frame (not shown) on the table frame 10, and has a pair of oppositely movably mounted Z-shaped columns 114 forming a channel for the mounting of boxes 7 therein. Each column 114 has a wide flange 115 directed towards the other column for forming a suitable wall and a narrow flange 116 directed away from the other column. The columns 114 are movably mounted in a box-like frame which is composed of two pairs of angles 117, 118. The pair of angles 118 are secured, as by bolts, to a pair of channelshaped mounting members 119 which are secured to the frame 120 of the assembly 111. In order to properly mount the columns 114 in the pair of angles 117, the lower portion of each narrow flange 116 is removed.

The angle of .the pair of angles 118 which contacts the flanges 115 of the columns 114 also carries a platform 121 which extends below and into the plane of the channel formed by the columns 114. The platform 121 is sized so as to allow a box 7 to rest thereon. Each of the pair of angles 118 has a pair of mounting blocks 122 thereon which slidably mounts an elongated rod 123 therein by means of suitable bushings 124, such as nylon bushings.

The pair of rods 123 fixedly mount a suitable air cylinder 125 thereon by means of a mounting block 126 which comprises a cross bar 127 between the rods, a pair of mounting angles 128 and a split adjustable mounting collar 129 in the mounting angles for securing the air cylinder 125 therein. The piston 130 air cylinder 125 is fixedly mounted in a U-shaped block 131 to the box hopper 110. Accordingly, the air cylinder 125 is capable of sliding relatively to the box hopper 110. The pair of rods 123 also fixedly mount a pusher assembly 132 between the mounting blocks 122. The pusher assembly 132 includes a pair of blocks 133, each mounted on a respective rod 123, a plate 134 secured to and extending between the blocks 133, and an elongated bar 135 secured to the plate 134 and extending .to the proximity of each block 133. The bar 135 is provided with a triangularshaped cross-section and a slot 136 at its top. The slot 136 is off-set from the centerline of the pusher assembly 132. The bar 135 is made of any suitable material, for example, nylon.

Each of the pair of angles 117 mounts a U-shaped member 137 thereon, as by a pair of bolts 138, from which a hinged finger 139 depends. Each finger 139 has a charmfered end which projects into the plane of the slot 136 of the bar 135 restrains the boxes from following the plate 134 as it moves from the discharge point. Each of the pair of angles 117 is also provided with a pair of flat bars 140 on the underside which project outwardly of the box hopper to keep the outer end of the boxes from raising up as they are moved into position to be dropped on the conveyor belt.

The columns 114 are provided with an adjusting mechanism 141 which consists of a suitable hand wheel 142 mounted on a threaded shaft 143, a pulley belt 144 and secondary threaded shaft 145 operably connected to the threaded shaft 143. Each threaded shaft 143, 145 is mounted on the backside of the flanges in an internally threaded collared sleeve 146 on one column and through a bored collared sleeve 147 on the other column. Each of the sleeves 146, 147 is mounted by a pair of bolts 148 to a block 149 which is secured to the column 114 as by welding between a pair of stiffener plates 150. Thus, by operation of the hand wheel 142, the threaded shafts 143, 145 are rotated causing the columns 114 to move either towards or away from each other.

In operation, the box hopper 110 is filled with a column of boxes 7 wherein each box 7 is loosely fitted in the box below in an inclined manner with the lowermost box resting on the platform 121 and with the pusher assembly 132 to the right of the columns, as viewed in FIG. 15. The air cylinder is actuated by a suitable microswitch and directed to the left of the columns, as viewed in FIG. 15, thereby moving the pusher assembly 132 in the same direction. The elongated bar abuts the side of the lowermost box and pushes it from the platform 121 to the conveyor belt assembly 111. At the same time, the triangular portion of the bar 135 slides along the bottom of the next lowermost box so as to raise it out of the lowermost box and cant it into an opposite direction. When the pusher assembly 132 reaches the leftmost hinged finger 139 (as viewed in FIG. 15) the motion of the air cylinder 125 is reversed so that it returns to its original position. This causes .the pusher assembly 132 to move to the right (as viewed in FIG. 15) so as to push the above next lowermost box which is now resting on the platform 121 onto the conveyor belt assembly 111 at a point upstream of the first box discharge point.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 16, the conveyor belt assembly 111 has a frame 120 comprised of a pair of angle members and a flat plate 151 secured therebetween to suitable cross bars 152. A conveyor belt 153 is carried on the flat plate 151 and driven at each end around a suitable conveyor roller 154. The conveyor roller 154 at the downstream end is adjustably mounted on the frame 120 and is adjusted by a suitable block and screw assembly 155, also mounted on the frame 120.

The frame 120 is provided with a pair of resilient spring fingers 156 (FIG. 14) secured at one end to the inside of one of the angle members. The free end of each spring finger 156 is urged towards the other angle member by a threaded set screw 157 which is threaded through the same angle member as secures the spring fingers. Each spring finger 156 engages the sides of the boxes 7 to slow and align them for delivery to the box delivery assembly 113.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the box feed control 112 is mounted on the conveyor belt assembly 111 on a pair 9 of side plates 158 each of which is secured to an angle of the frame 120, as by bolts 159. A shaft 160 is rotatably mounted in each of the side plates 158 by suitable bushings (not shown) and retaining nuts 161. The shaft 160 carries a Z-shaped bar 162 at one end which underlies and extends to the vicinity of the centerline of the conveyor belt assembly 111. The shaft 160 also carries a stop and release member 164 at an intermediate point. The stop and release member 164 has a cylindrical portion 165 fixedly mounted on the shaft 160 as by a pair of set screws and a pair of cars 166 which form a generally channel shaped cross section.

The 'Z-shaped bar 162 is connected at an intermediate point by a compression spring 167 to the base of the conveyor assembly 111 so that the bar 162 is resiliently urged in that direction.

A plate 168 is secured to an angle of the frame 120 so as to provide a protective cover between the box feed control 112 and the conveyor assembly 111.

Refering to FIGS. 4 and 13, the box delivery assembly 113 is mounted from the base of the table 11 by a pair of mounting blocks 169 which receive a pair of shafts 170 therein. A slide mechanism 171 is slidably mounted on the shafts 170 and is actuated by a suitable air cylinder 172 which is mounted in one of the mounting blocks 169. The slide mechanism 171 consists of a channel shaped plate 173 mounted by suitable side plates 174 on a slidable bearing sleeve 175 on each shaft 170, an elongated J- shaped bar 176 mounted on the rear of the plate 173 and a multi-slotted receiving plate 177 secured to the front of the plate 173. I

A channel-shaped member 178 is secured to the table 11 below the edge of the conveyor assembly 111 and straddles the plate 173 of the box delivery assembly 113.

The member 178 mounts an abutment means 179 at its edge by suitable means such as screws.

In operation, the conveyor assembly 111 carries the boxes deposited thereon from the hopper 110 to the box feed control 112. When the box feed control 112 is in the position shown in FIG. 4., the foremost ear 166 is in its lowermost position so as to engage the inside of the rear wall of a box 7. The air cylinder 172 of the box delivery system is actuated to move the channel shaped plate 173 to the left. The J-shaped bar 176 comes into contact with the Z-shaped bar 162 and moves it about the shaft 160 of the box feed control 112 in clockwise fashion. This pivots the member 164 and releases the foremost box 7 from the foremost ear 166 so that the conveyor belt 152 delivers the box onto the channel-shaped plate 173. The rearmost car 166 is simultaneously brought into engagement with the inside of the rear wall of the next foremost box 7'. Thus, each box is fed in a spaced individual manner from the conveyor assembly 111.

Thereafter, the air cylinder 172 is actuated to move the channel-shaped plate 173 to the right. The I-shaped bar comes out of cont-act with the Z-shaped bar 162 allowing it to move counterclockwise under the influence of the spring 167 so that the rearmost car 166 is raised out of contact with the rear wall of the box 7'. The foremost ear 166 is simultaneously moved into the plane of the box 7 whereby it comes into contact with the inside of the rear wall of the box 7 after it is moved under the influence of the conveyor belt 152. Meanwhile, as the channel shaped plate 173 moves to the right, the foremost box 7 is abutted against the channel-shaped member 178 so that it drops onto the slotted receiving plate 177.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 11, upon a repeated movement of the air cylinder 172 to the left, the foremost box 7 is delivered onto the slotted receiving plate 177 to a position above the slots 108 in the table top 11. The foremost box 7 is then lifted by the finger elements 101, 102 of the elevator means 55 to a position immediately below the plane of the movable platform 51. In the meantime, the divider walls 56 have been lifted out of the plane of the bobbins, the pressure plate 68 has been pressed against the bobbins and the movable platform 51 has been retracted. The pressure plate 68 is then retracted permitting the bobbins to fall into the box 7 in uniform fashion. The box 7 is then lowered by the elevator means 55 to the table 11, the slotted receiving plate 177 having been retracted by actuation of the air cylinder 172.

When the receiving plate 177 is returned to the position over the slots 108 in the table 11 with another empty box, the bobbin-filled box 7 is pushed onto the take-01f conveyor assembly 9.

In order to provide a means for stopping the operation of the box feed means when the boxes are not being delivered in desired fashion, a number of suitable means, such as photoelectric cells or electric eyes, can be positioned in the path of the boxes. For example, a photoelectric cell 40' can be positioned in the hopper near the base to stop the box feed when the level of the stacked boxes have reached that position. Also, a like means can be positioned on the frame of the conveyor assembly 111 to stop the box feed when the back-up of boxes reach that position. Further, a photoelectric cell 40" can be positioned across the conveyor assembly 111 at the box feed control 166 to stop the machine when the conveyor is emptied of boxes to that position.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the take-off conveyor assembly 9 comprises a conveyor belt 180 mounted on a pair of spaced conveyor rollers 181 which are suitably attached to the table 11 and tensioned by a suitable tension roller 182 mounted on a frame 183 on the table 11. The edgemost conveyor roller is 'adjustably mounted in suitable fashion, as by a set screw mount 184, to suitably tension the conveyor belt 180. The conveyor belt 180 receives the bobbin-filled boxes from the slotted portion 108 of the table 11 and carries them to a final packaging station where the boxes are covered for shipment.

The various moving mechanisms of the packaging machine may be worked manually or automatically when automatic, any suitable actuating means can be utilized; however, for purposes of example, a micro-switch circuit is utilized.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the bobbin packaging machine can be operated manually or automatically. When operated automatically, the power source lines L L: are connected to the four control boxes 185, 186, 187, 188. The control box 186 is connected in series with the control box and, likewise, control box 187 is connected to control box 188. Control box 185 has an output which activates the gear motor 189 and the conveyor motor for the take-off conveyor assembly 9. Control box 185 also is connected to a suitable photocell at the box feed control 112. Thus, when the photocell senses that a box is missing, the control box 185 cuts off the gear motor 189 and take-off conveyor motor as well as the panel box 186.

The control box 188 has an output which activates the gear motor 190 and is connected to a suitable photocell on the box hopper 110. Thus, when the photocell senses that the level of the supply of boxes is below the photocell, the control box 188 cuts off the gear motor 190 as well as the panel box 187.

The power source lines L L are also connected to a cut-off air valve K which is interposed in the air supply lines which feed valves A to H, and L downstream of an air control means 191. A pressure gage 192 is installed in the air supply lines to indicate the air pressure. An air pressure regulator 193 is interposed in the feeder line for valve B for controlling the air blast from the bobbin air assist valve I which is connected into the feeder line for valve B. The valves A to H and L suitably activate the respective cylinders.

The power source lines L L are connected to a plurality of leads which connect the cams A to H and J to their respective valves. Valve L is actuated by a circuit incorporating the cylinders 73, 88. Cams A to C, D to H and I are mounted on a common shaft 194 which is ro- 1 1 tatcd by the shaft 195 of the gear motor 189. Cam D is mounted on a shaft 196 which is rotated by the shaft 197 of the gear motor 190.

The power source lines L L connect to the motor of the vibrator 29 and to the motor of the conveyor belt assembly 111.

The bobbin packaging machine, when operated manually incorporates a series of switches in the circuit. For example, a toggle switch 198 is placed in the power source line L, to control the activation of the vibrator motor, the box conveyor motor and valve L. A pair of similar toggle switches 199 are interposed in the leads to the cam contacts so that the operations of the respective air cylinders can be activated or not as desired. Further, a toggle switch 280 is placed in the lead between cam F and valve F, and a limit switch 231 is placed in each of the leads between valve A and cam A and cam B and valve B.

A toggle switch 202 is placed in each line to the vibrator motor and to the box conveyor motor. Also, a toggle switch 233 is placed in the lines between switch 198 and control box 186 and between switch 202 and control box 187. A companion toggle switch 204 is interposed between each switch 203 and its respective gear motor 189, 190.

The cams A to C, E to H and J are formed and mounted with respect to each other so as to produce a synchronized operation of the respective air cylinders which is illustrated in the bar graph of FIG. 18.

The entire circuit for operating the bobbin packaging machine is mounted in a panel box secured to the table frame and the control boxes and switches are mounted on the table top 11 in any suitable manner.

Having thus described an embodiment of the invention, it is not intended that the invention be so limited since certain modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. A bobbin packaging machine comprising a feed device for arranging a plurality of bobbins into a plurality of rows, a guide mechanism for guiding the rows of bobbins, a selector mechanism for segregating a number of transverse rows of bobbins from the remainder of the bobbins in said guide mechanism, a depositing device for dropping the segregated bobbins into a box, said depositing device including a removable floor for receiving the segregated bobbins thereon and means for selectively moving said fioor from under the received bobbins to permit dropping of the bobbins into the box, and a conveyor means for removing the bobbin-filled box to a position at which the box can be covered.

2. An automatic bobbin packaging machine comprising a feed device for arranging a plurality of bobbins into a plurality of rows, a guide mechanism for guiding the rows of bobbins, a selector mechanism for segregating a number of transverse rows of bobbins from the remainder of the bobbins in said guide mechanism, a depositing device for dropping the segregated bobbins into a box, said depositing device including a removable floor for receiving the segregated bobbins thereon and means for reciprocating said floor from under the received bobbins to permit dropping of the bobbins into the box, a conveyor means for removing the bobbin-filled box to a position at which the box can be covered, and sensing means for providing a signal to shutoff the operation of the packaging machine.

3. An automatic bobbin packaging machine comprising a feed device for arranging a plurality of bobbins into a plurality of rows, a guide mechanism for guiding the rows of bobbins, a selector mechanism for segregating a number of transverse rows of bobbins from the remainder of the bobbins in said guide mechanism, said selector mechanism including a pair of adjustable spaced stops, each. of said stops being reciprocally mounted with respect to said guide mechanism for projection therein, a depositing device for dropping the segregated bobbins into a box, said depositing device including a removable floor for receiving the segregated bobbins thereon and means for reciprocating said floor from under the received bobbins to permit dropping of the bobbins into the box, and a conveyor means for removing the bobbin-filled box to a position at which the box can be covered.

4. An automatic bobbin packaging machine as set forth in claim 3 wherein said stops are reciprocated in synchronized fashion.

5. An automatic bobbin packaging machine comprising a feed device for arranging a plurality of bobbins into a plurality of rows, a guide mechanism for guiding the rows of bobbins, a selector mechanism for segregating a number of transverse rows of bobbins from the remainder of the bobbins in said guide mechanism, a depositing device for dropping the segregating bobbins into a box, said depositing device including a removable floor means for receiving the segregated bobbins thereon, a means for clamping the segregated rows of bobbins against a wall of said depositing device, and an elevator means for delivering a box under the clamped bobbins, and a conveyor means for removing the bobbin-filled box to a position at which the box can be covered.

6. An automatic bobbin packaging machine as set forth in claim 5 wherein said clamping means comprises a reciprocally mounted plunger.

7. An automatic bobbin packaging machine as set forth in claim 5 wherein said elevator means includes two pairs of upwardly projecting finger elements, each of said pairs of finger elements being spaced from the other of said pairs of finger elements, said pairs of finger elements being adapted to support a box thereon.

8. An automatic bobbin packaging machine comprising a feed device for arranging a plurality of bobbins into a plurality of rows, a guide mechanism for guiding the rows of bob-bins, a selector mechanism for segregating a number of transverse rows of bobbins from the remainder of the bobbins in said guide mechanism, a depositing device for dropping the segregated bobbins into a box, said depositing device including a removable floor for receiving the segregated bobbins thereon and means for moving said fioor from under the received bobbins to permit dropping of the bobbins into the box, a box feed mechanism for delivering a box to said depositing device, a conveyor means for removing the bobbin-filled box to a positon at which the box can be covered, means for automatically actuating the bobbin packaging machine, and sensing means for providing a signal to shut off the automatic operation of the bobbin packaging machine.

9. A bobbin packaging machine as set forth in claim 1 which further comprises a box feed mechanism for delivering a box under said floor, said box feed mechanism including a box supply hopper, a conveyor assembly positioned below said box supply hopper for conveying a series of boxes, a box feed control for feeding each box of the series of boxes in a spaced individual manner from said conveyor assembly, and a box delivery assembly for feeding each box from said conveyor assembly to under said floor.

10. An automatic bobbin packaging machine as set forth in claim 2 which further comprises means for automatically controlling the operation of said selector mechanism, said means comprising a valve means for actuating said selector mechanism, circuit means for actuating said valve means, and a scanning means for sensing a space between consecutive bobbins in each of the plurality of rows of bobbins in said guide mechanism, said scanning means producing a signal to open said circuit means upon sensing a space between consecutive bobbins whereby said valve means is prevented from actuating said selector mechanism.

11. An automatic bobbin packaging machine as set forth in claim 8 wherein said box feed mechanism includes a box supply hopper, a conveyor assembly for receiving and conveying boxes from said supply hopper, a box feed control on said conveyor assembly in the path of the conveyed boxes for feeding each of the boxes in individual manner from said conveyor assembly, and a box delivery assembly for feeding each box out of the box feed device.

12. An automatic bobbin packaging machine as set forth in claim 8 wherein said means for automatically actuating the machine includes a circuit means and said sensing means is positioned on said box feed mechanism to produce a signal to open said circuit means upon sensing the absence of a box whereby the operation of the machine is discontinued.

13. A bobbin packaging machine as set forth in claim 9, said box feed control including a stop and release member of generally channel shaped cross section pivotally mounted over said conveyor assembly for engagement with the inside of the rear walls of the series of boxes.

14. A bobbin packaging machine as set forth in claim 9, said box delivery assembly including a slidably mounted slide mechanism having a slotted receiving plate for receiving a box from said conveyor assembly, and means for moving said receiving plate into said depositing means.

15. A bobbin packaging machine as set forth in claim 9, further including means for actuating said box feed control in response to operation of said box delivery assembly.

16. A bobbin packaging machine as set forth in claim wherein said actuating means comprises a J-shaped bar on said box delivery assembly and a Z-shaped bar on said box feed control, said I-shaped bar contacting said.

Z-shaped bar upon actuation of said box delivery assembly.

17. A method for packaging bobbins comprising the steps of (1) arranging a plurality of bobbins into a plurality of rows, (2) segregating a number of transverse rows of bobbins from the remainder of the rows of bob bins, (3) delivering a box under the segregated rows of bobbins, and (4) dropping the segregated rows of bobbins substantially simultaneously under gravity vertically into the delivered box.

18. A method for automatically packaging bobbins comprising the steps of (1) arranging a plurality of bobbins into a plurality of rows, (2) guiding the rows of bobbins down a guide mechanism under gravity, (3) segregating a number of transverse rows of bobbins from the remainder of the rows of bobbins, (4) delivering a box under the segregated rows of bobbins, and (5) dropping the segregated roWs of bobbins substantially simultaneously under gravity vertically into the delivered box.

19. A method for automatically packaging bobbins in a box comprising the steps of (1) arranging a plurality of bobbins into a plurality of rows, (2) guiding the rows of bobbins down a guide mechanism under gravity, (3) inserting a first stop means in the path of the guided bobbins to prevent downward movement, (4) inserting a second stop means spaced from the first stop means into the rows of bobbins to segregate a number of transverse rows of bobbins, (5) removing the first stop means from within the path .of the segregated bobbins to allow movement of the segregated bobbins under gravity from the guide mechanism, (6) delivering the segregated rows of bobbins to a depositing device, (7) positioning a box in the depositing device, and (8) dropping the segregated rows of bobbins substantially simultaneously under gravity vertically into the box in the depositing device.

20. A method for automatically packaging bobbins in a box comprising the steps of (1) arranging a plurality of bobbins into a plurality of rows, (2) guiding the rows of bobbins down a guide mechanism under gravity, (3) segregating a number of transverse rows of bobbins, (4) delivering the segregated rows of bobbins onto a removable floor means, (5) clamping the segregated rows of bobbins over the fioor means, (6) delivering a box under the floor means, (7) removing the floor means, (8) unclamping the segregated rows of bobbins whereby the segregated rows of bobbins drop into the delivered box, and (9) removing the bobbin-filled box for covering.

21. A method for automatically packaging bobbins in a box comprising the steps of (1) arranging a plurality of bobbins into a plurality of rows, (2) segregating a number of transverse rows of bobbins from the remainder of the rows of bobbins, (3) delivering the segregated rows of bobbins to a depsoiting device, (4) supplying a series of boxes, (5) feeding a box of the series of boxes in individual manner, (6) delivering the individually fed box to the depositing device, (7) dropping the segregated rows of bobbins in the depositing device into the delivered box vertically simultaneously under gravity, and (8) removing the bobbin-filled box from the depositing device.

22. A method for automatically packaging bobbins in a series of boxes comprising the steps of (1) arranging a plurality of bobbins into a plurality of rows, (2) segregating a first number of transverse rows of bobbins from the remainder of the rows of bobbins, (3) delivering the first segregated rows of bobbins into a depositing device, (4) supplying a series of boxes from a supply hopper, (5) conveying a first box of the series of boxes in spaced manner from the remaining boxes to the depositing device, (6) dropping the first segregated rows of bobbins into the first box vertically simultaneously under gravity, (7) removing the first bobbin-filled box from the depositing device, (8) delivering subsequent segregated rows of bobbins to the depositing device in synchronism with subsequent boxes from the series of boxes, and (9) removing subsequent bobbin-filled boxes from the depositing device in seriatim.

23. A method for automatically packaging bobbins in a series of boxes comprising the steps of (1) arranging a plurality of bobbins into a plurality of rows, (2) segregating a first number of transverse rows of bobbins from the remainder of the rows of bobbins, (3) delivering the first segregated rows of bobbins into a depositing device, (4) supplying a series of boxes from a supply hopper, (5) feeding a first box of the series of boxes in individual manner therefrom, (6) delivering the individually fed first box to the depositing device, (7) dropping the first segregated rows of bobbins into the first box vertically simultaneously under gravity, (8) removing the first bobbin-filled box from the depositing device, (9) delivering subsequent segregated rows of bobbins to the depositing device in synchronism with subsequent boxes from the series of boxes, and (10) removing subsequent bobbinfilled boxes from the depositing device in seriatim.

24. A method as set forth in claim 23 wherein the step of feeding a box in individual manner occurs in response to the steps of delivering a feed box to the depositing device.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,280,854 4/1942 Rooney 53-160 3,210,904 10/1965 Banks 53160 3,290,857 12/1966 Nydam 53-160 XR WILLIAM W. DYER, ]R., Primary Examiner.

R. ALVEY, Assistant Examiner. 

